First Peoples House

The University of Victoria's First Peoples House is a multi-purpose educational facility inspired by the Coast Salish Longhouse.

The design of the building is predominantly Coast Salish, with influences from the surrounding coastal First Nations Cultures. Inspiration is drawn from traditional structures and their ability to mediate the environment, maximize sunlight, ventilation, natural resources and local materials.

Art and artifacts from the Salish peoples and neighboring Indigenous cultures adorn its foyer and corridors. Other cultures are represented through their art forms.

Lead Architect, Alfred Waugh, Formline Architecture

Pavilion

Lillooet, St'at'imc First Nation Pavilion made from locally sourced materials. Designed and built by the St'at'imc community.

Image: by Daniel Millette from forthcoming publication, “Architectures of Renewal: The Indigenous Architectural Landscape of Canada.”

Spirit Garden

The Spirit Garden and Gathering Circle is positioned on Thunder Bay's waterfront, and was built using traditional bentwood fabrication methods. This contemporary expression of Indigenous place-making in the form of the ‘inclusive circle’ hosts a wide range of community events and has become an emblem for the City.

The design evolved through a collaborative process with community representatives from Fort William First Nation, communities of the Robinson Superior Treaty and Red Sky Métis, and the Brook McIlroy design team.

Lead Architect Ryan Gorrie, Brook McIlroy design team

Anisinaabe artists Roy and Randy Thomas

Hot Springs

The Liard River Hot Springs project in northern B.C., is designed to address the needs of the rugged northern climate while creating a welcoming environment for the hot spring bathers. The deck is semi-circular in plan, centered on the hot springs. Stepped levels of canal-salvaged ipe provides generous space for descent into the springs.

The structure is supported by turned bi-pod Douglas-fir columns inspired by the local Dene culture. A simple 4x4 structure encloses the change rooms clad inside and out with clear western red cedar.

Lead Architect, Alfred Waugh, Formline Architecture

Deer Clan Longhouse

The Iroquoian Deer Clan Longhouse at Crawford Lake in Milton replicates the form of a 15th Century Wendat longhouse village but within its interior provides a contemporary cultural centre that hosts 70,000 school children a year who learn both the history of Canada’s ancient history and the aspirations of Indigenous modernity in a viscerally inspiring setting.

Designed and programmed in a collaborative effort between the Aboriginal communities in Halton, Conservation Halton and the Brook McIlroy design team, with assistance of Aboriginal Facilitator: JP Gladu.

Architects: Indigenous Design Studio - Brook McIlroy Architects

Hunting Huts

Designed and built by local community members in the Clyde River Region, these tiny cabins on Kamutiq (sleds) are destined to be hauled to distant hunting sites. This Indigenous technique allows ᐃᓄᐃᑦ hunters to build cabins near their home and then transport them to optimal hunting locations far away.

Image: Canada's Arctic Cabin Culture Susane Havelka

Cabin

Designed by a Clyde River community member, this cabin was built to adapt to its environment. Made out of recycled materials, it has one strategic window and door, with a nonskid ramp leading up to it.

Image: Canada's Arctic Cabin Culture Susane Havelka

Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a celebration of two Nations; a symbol of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations working together to share their overlapping territories in the Pristine Valley.

Providing authentic experiences for visitors, the Cultural Centre contributes to the preservation of each Nation’s culture as well as educating visitors about Aboriginal culture in general.

Lead Architect, Alfred Waugh, Formline Architecture

Gathering Place

In the centre of the main courtyard of Hamilton’s Mohawk College the Hoop Dance Indigenous Gathering Place provides a space for learning, ceremony and socializing. Its designed form expresses Indigenous concepts of sustainability, of time and inclusiveness.

The pavilion is the result of a collaborative design process between Brook McIlroy Architects/Landscape Architects; Mohawk College; Aboriginal students of the College; and Elders and members of the Six Nations First Nation and Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation Communities.

Architect, Brook McIlroy design team

Pit House

Splatsin Fitrst Nation Pit House, designed and built by community members.

Image: by Daniel Millette from forthcoming publication, “Architectures of Renewal: The Indigenous Architectural Landscape of Canada.”